Advanced Television

Minister criticises SABC’s STB stance

November 6, 2013

By Colin Mann

South Africa’s Communications Minister Yunus Carrim has criticised state broadcaster the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) over its declaration that it will not support conditional access of digital terrestrial set-top boxes, suggesting that the public broadcaster cannot decide for government, with any such policy being determined by the Cabinet.

Carrim said while the SABC’s views were important, the broadcaster could not dictate to the government. He said the department was planning to launch officially the digital migration programme, initially using satellite technology, while the DTT STB control matters were being resolved. South Africa is more than five years behind schedule in migrating from analogue to digital terrestrial television.

The facilitation process on set-top control began in mid-September. “The facilitation team has finalised its report and it is being processed for a Cabinet decision by December 4,” he confirmed.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite, DTT/DSO, In Home, Policy, Regulation, STB